Garlic and Herb Braid Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic and Herb Bread is a flavorful homemade treat perfect for sharing. Filled with fragrant garlic, fresh herbs, and melty cheese, it’s a delicious addition to any meal or a satisfying snack on its own.

Ingredients

• 4 cups plain all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups warm water (100–110°F)
• 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2¼ teaspoons)
• 1 small spoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cups mixed fresh herbs, chopped (mostly parsley with some thyme)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (half mozzarella, half sharp cheddar)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Proof the yeast by dissolving it in warm water and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until tiny bubbles appear on the surface.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the flour with salt. Add the bloomed yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir to combine.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and springy.
4. Step 4: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Step 5: After the dough has risen, flatten it into a rectangle on a floured board.
6. Step 6: Spread the minced garlic evenly over the dough, then scatter the chopped herbs and shredded cheese on top.
7. Step 7: Press the filling gently into the dough, then roll the dough tightly from one long edge into a log.
8. Step 8: Slice the rolled dough lengthwise to expose the layers, then twist the two halves together into a loose braid.
9. Step 9: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush the braid with olive oil to encourage a golden crust.
10. Step 10: Bake the bread for 20-30 minutes until the crust is blistered and golden brown.
11. Step 11: Remove from the oven and tap the bottom of the bread; a hollow sound indicates it is fully baked.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mixture of your favorite fresh herbs to customize the flavor. Rosemary or basil work well too.
• Swap the cheese for a spicy pepper jack or creamy feta to change the taste profile.
• For a softer crust, cover the bread with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• If you don’t have fresh garlic, substitute with 1 tablespoon garlic powder sprinkled over the dough before the herbs.

Storage

Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, freeze wrapped bread for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Since it doesn’t need to be proofed, mix it directly with the flour and adjust the rising time slightly if needed.

How do I know if the bread is fully baked?

Tap the bottom of the bread after baking; if it sounds hollow, the bread is done. Also, look for a golden, blistered crust as a visual cue.

Garlic and Herb Braid Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 108 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic and Herb Bread recipe is a flavorful homemade bread enriched with minced garlic, fresh herbs, and a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese, baked to a golden, crispy crust. Perfect as a savory side or a tasty snack, this bread combines aromatic herbs with the richness of olive oil and cheese for a delicious treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 4 cups plain all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups warm water (100–110°F)
• 1 packet active dry yeast (approximately 2¼ teaspoons)
• 1 small spoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Filling

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cups mixed fresh herbs, chopped (mostly parsley with a little thyme)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (split between mozzarella and sharp cheddar)
• Olive oil for brushing

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Instructions

1. Kneading and Proofing the Yeast: Proof the yeast by dissolving it in the warm water (100–110°F) for 5-10 minutes until tiny bubbles appear, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Mixing the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the salt. Pour the bloomed yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour and mix to form a dough.
3. Kneading the Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and springy, indicating proper gluten development.
4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour, in a warm place.
5. Shaping and Filling: Once risen, flatten the dough into a rectangle on a floured board. Evenly spread the minced garlic across the dough, then scatter the chopped herbs and shredded cheese over it. Gently press the filling into the dough.
6. Rolling and Braiding: Roll the dough tightly from one long edge into a log. Slice the roll lengthwise to create two long halves. Twist the two halves together loosely to form a braid.
7. Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) to prepare it for baking the bread.
8. Brushing and Baking: Brush the surface of the braided dough with olive oil to enhance crust color and taste. Place it on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, until the crust is blistered and golden brown.
9. Testing Doneness: Remove the bread from the oven and tap the bottom; a hollow sound indicates the bread is fully baked and ready to serve.

Notes

• Ensure the water temperature for the yeast proofing is between 100–110°F to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley and thyme for the best aromatic flavor.
• The combination of mozzarella and sharp cheddar provides a nice balance of meltiness and flavor.
• You can substitute the olive oil for another neutral oil, but olive oil adds richness.
• Let the bread cool before slicing to preserve the structure and texture.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: garlic bread, herb bread, homemade bread, cheesy bread, garlic and herb, braided bread, savory bread